The Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society presents the Letter of Recognition to: John Kielczewski for his hard work, cooperation and consideration of Missouri’s aquatic resources while managing the White River for multiple uses.  One value of our efforts on the White River has been the personal relationships that we have developed.  Our relationship with John is a perfect example.  Matching a name with a face can make all the difference in the world. An example… when we had a crew of 20+ people waiting for flow curtailment to conduct electrofishing sampling below Table Rock Lake (TRL)  late one night, a call to John in Little Rock was necessary to adjust scheduling.  Apparently, miscommunication meant that the operators at TRL had not gotten the word and were not planning the flow reductions.  We reached John at home … in his PJs.  He got dressed, drove to his office and made the adjustments.  We then finished our work in a timely manner.

Another example of John’s commitment would include an event that happened in 2008 when the White River system was full.  Downstream flooding was an issue.  Not only was dissolved oxygen rock bottom, surface water spillage was stressing the coldwater fishery by raising the ambient temperature.  John was able to work through all the needs and did all he could working with MDC fishery staff to avert what could have been a significant fish kill of a multimillion dollar trout fishery. 

John has been strong in negotiations, but ALWAYS fair, equitable and professional.  For his commitment to conservation, sound resource management, cooperative spirit, enthusiasm, and efforts to help maintain the aquatic resources of the White River System, the Missouri Chapter of the American Fisheries Society is proud to recognize John Kielczewski’s contributions with the Letter of Recognition.